WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it has awarded up to $8,391,524 for the establishment of a Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island. The VA will also reimburse the state of Nebraska $577,495 for the cost of fabrication and delivery of outer burial receptacles used for the project.
“As Americans, we owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who have served. Establishing a national cemetery in Grand Island will honor the service and sacrifice of those who fought to defend our freedom. This announcement reflects the hard work of so many who have been fighting to make this project a reality,” said Senator Fischer.
Background:
Senator Fischer secured funding in the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act to continue honoring Nebraska’s fallen veterans through the Veterans Cemetery Grant Program. The program provides funding to establish, expand, and improve veteran cemeteries to ensure veterans in Nebraska and across the U.S. are buried with the honors they deserve.
According to the VA, the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island will serve more than 13,000 veterans and their eligible family members. The grant will fund 506 pre-placed crypts, 548 cremains gravesites, 640 columbarium niches, an administration building, maintenance facility, committal service shelter, and landscaping.
